Anand Mahindra Applauds Pune’s Footpath Revamp; Social Media Urges Similar Action In Mumbai
Anand Mahindra Applauds Pune’s Footpath Revamp; Social Media Urges Similar Action In Mumbai
Pune, February 11, 2026: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has praised the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for its ongoing drive to repair and upgrade footpaths across the city, calling the initiative a meaningful step toward people-centric urban planning.
Taking to social media platform X, Mahindra shared photographs originally posted by the civic body that showed damaged pavements being restored. Commending the effort, he noted that well-designed and continuous footpaths can significantly improve urban life, often more quickly and at a lower cost than large infrastructure projects.
Mahindra emphasised that pavements are not merely extensions of roads but a vital element of inclusive city planning. According to him, prioritising pedestrian infrastructure leads to safer streets, healthier lifestyles and stronger local businesses. He described a “footpaths first” approach as one that effectively places citizens at the centre of development.
The PMC has stated that it aims to repair all damaged footpaths in the city by December 2026 under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram. The civic body has positioned pedestrian-friendly infrastructure as a key focus area in its urban improvement strategy.
Mahindra’s endorsement drew mixed reactions online. While several users welcomed the initiative and shared suggestions for improved footpath designs, others expressed scepticism about its implementation. Some commenters claimed that only a limited number of footpaths in Pune are currently fully walkable, urging sustained monitoring and execution.
PMC Responds
Thank you, @anandmahindra Sir, for your encouraging words and advocating for people-centric urban thinking.
As rightly said — “Varam Janahitam Dhyeyam” — the welfare of people remains our highest goal.
We will continue to work with a ‘Footpaths First, People First’ approach to create safer, more walkable, and inclusive streets that truly enhance everyday urban life.
A few social media users also appealed to Mahindra to encourage similar reforms in Mumbai, tagging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in their responses.
The discussion has once again spotlighted the importance of pedestrian infrastructure in rapidly growing cities and the role of civic bodies in shaping accessible, safe and inclusive public spaces.
